News Release

Thursday, December 22, 2016

**The following information is
based on a preliminary, ongoing investigation which continues to
evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and
electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department's
understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as
additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles: On December 18,
2016 around 8:20 p.m. uniformed Metropolitan Division Police
Officer Roberto Ruiz, Serial No. 38154, and his partner were
driving in the area of 60th Place and Western Avenue. The officers
saw a male, later identified as 20-year-old Ryan Joseph, standing
near a vehicle which was blocking access to an alley. The officers
exited their vehicle to conduct an investigative stop and saw a
handgun in Joseph's waistband. Joseph ran from the officers and the
officers chased him. In the area of 60th Street and Western Avenue,
Joseph was holding the handgun in his right hand, he slowed his
pace and looked over his shoulder in the direction of the pursuing
officers. At that time, Officer Ruiz fired three rounds at Joseph,
striking him. Joseph fell to the ground.

The officers immediately requested Los Angeles Fire Department
paramedics, who responded to the scene and transported Joseph to a
local hospital. Joseph was pronounced deceased at the
hospital.

No officers were injured. A loaded semi-automatic handgun was
recovered at the scene of the officer involved shooting.

There have been 39 officer-involved-shootings in 2016. This is the
26th incident in 2016 where a suspect was armed with a firearm or
replica firearm resulting in a use of deadly force incident with a
LAPD officer. In 2015, there were 19 incidents involving a suspect
with a firearm and 6 additional incidents where the suspect used a
replica firearm or pellet gun.

LAPD's specialized Force Investigation Division is conducting a
thorough investigation of the officer-involved shooting which will
be presented to the Chief of Police and the Board of Police
Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force and
tactics employed by the officers complied with LAPD's policies and
procedures. The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office will also
review the evidence collected during the investigation to determine
whether any criminal laws were violated.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged
to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers:

During business hours at (213) 486-5230;

During non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7
(877-527-3247);

Anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or by texting "LAPD" and your tip
to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S); or